Sujay Mehdudia NEW DELHI: The stern warning issued by Petroleum Secretary R.S. Pande to the oil marketing companies (OMCs) has paid off. The waiting list for new LPG connections has been reduced by almost 50 per cent and the oil companies have given an assurance that the remaining would be wiped out by the end of this month. The issues came up during a review of the petro products position carried out by Mr. Pande at his office on Tuesday. The second review comes on the heels of an oil industry meeting chaired by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora last month. Mr. Pande was informed by the representatives of the OMCs that the LPG waiting list of nearly 8 lakh a month ago was down by half to 3.9 lakh. They promised to help existing customers overcome difficulties in getting refills. Mr. Pande directed the OMCs to maintain adequate supply of petroleum products, including LPG, for the coming festive season. Mr. Pande reviewed the demand-supply position, particularly in view of the festivals in the coming months and the winter season, when the demand for petroleum products rose substantially.